Food poisoning
Food poisoning
Food borne illness, also known as food poisoning, is the
result of eating contaminated, spoiled, or toxic food. Any infectious organisms, including bacteria, viruses and parasites, or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning. Contamination can also occur at home during cooking or if left uncovered or not properly handled.
Symptoms
Symptoms of food poisoning: Certain mild symptoms can include: Nausea Vomiting Watery diarrhoea
Abdominal pain and cramps
Fever
Such symptoms usually get treated with time and with healthy diet, but in case such serious symptoms, patient must show a doctor: Frequent episodes of vomiting and inability to keep any food Diarrhoea for more than three days Extreme pain or severe abdominal cramping High fever may be higher than 101.5 F (38.6 C) Dehydration Blurry vision, muscle weakness, tingling in the arms etc
Diagnosis of food poisoning:
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Diagnosis can be done by knowing the symptoms and knowing about what the patient has eaten which has lead to food poisoning. But certain test can be done such as: Blood test- To determine the cause of poisoning may be
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virus or bacteria Stool test- to identify any infectious organism in the stool.
Causes of food poisoning:
Most of the food poisoning is caused by: Bacteria- it is most prevalent cause of food poisoning.
Among them, dangerous bacteria like E.coli, listeria and salmonella may be the reason. Salmonella are the most dangerous one to cause serious food poisoning. Parasites- It is not so common as that of bacteria. Toxoplasma is the most often cause of food poisoning.
Viruses- They are also the higher reason for food poisoning. Norovirus, Sapoviru or Astrovirus and the viruses who can cause the poisoning. Hepatitis A can be transmitted through food which can cause serious illness. Sometimes pathogens can also be the reason for food poisoning if the food in undercooked or eaten raw.
Risk factors of food poisoning:
Food poisoning can occur to every individual, but in case of a person to lower immunity, food poisoning can be frequent to them. Such as: Older adults- As getting older, the immune system get compromised and may not respond as quickly and as effectively to infectious organisms as to younger people. Pregnant women-During pregnancy, changes in metabolism and circulation may increase the risk of food poisoning. Infants and young children- As their immune systems are not fully developed, they can be more prone to food poisoning. People with chronic disease. Having a chronic condition – People with certain diseases such as AIDS, liver disease or undergoing chemotherapy or other therapy may be more risked to food poisoning.
Treatment
Treatment of food poisoning: Mostly food poisoning can be treated without any treatment, and by staying in a healthy diet. Diet to have during food poisoning saltine crackers gelatine bananas rice oatmeal chicken broth bland potatoes
Treatment
Continue:
boiled vegetables toast diluted fruit juices sport drinks Caffeine should be avoided as it can irritate the digestive tract Certain over the counter medicines such as Imodium and Pepto-Bismol may be given to control diarrhoea and nausea Intravenous fluids must be taken to control dehydration.
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